navajo national monument

We took a side trip to see this on our way from Monument Valley to Page. We had no idea as to what to expect. It was well worth the time and the 18 mile round trip. There is a very good welcome center with interesting displays. The highlight though is a 1 mile round trip path to the scenic overlook. When we started the walk, the path had just been cleared of snow. The entire surrounding area was covered in snow which added to the beauty. While the path is concrete, there is a several hundred foot drop to the scenic overlook. You should keep that in mind when deciding on whether to take the walk or not. The change in altitude may make it difficult for some.

This monument is 9 miles off the highway if you have time. Most people drive by on their way to Monument Valley and fail to stop. When we visited, only 2 other cars were in the parking lot. There is a 1/2 mile trail to a scenic overlook to see the ruins. The visitor center was in the middle of a renovation, so no artifacts or other things to see.

If your in the area, you absolutely have to at least stop by this National monument. It is a free US Federally run site so the facilities are great. These are some of the best preserved Anasazi ruins in a most beautiful setting. The visitor center has some informational displays and the staff are very knowledgeable. If you only have a half hour or so, I recommend taking the Sandal Hike out to the rim of the canyon to overlook the Betatakin ruins. The trail down to the ruins was closed for the winter so this was all we could do this trip but it was a beautiful sight. I understand the hike to Betatakin is a strenuous 5 mile round trip and the hike to Keet Seel is a much farther 17 mile round trip. Based on our conversation with the ranger at the Visitor center, we are excited to return to do the Keet Seel trip as an overnight hike. Evidently the ranger stationed at Keet Seel provides a much longer tour of the ruins for overnight visitors. Also, it sounds like the Keet Seel ruins are in exceptional shape. We can't wait to return!

Navajo National Monument isn't very far off the main highway (about twenty miles west of Kayenta on the Page road) and is well worth the side trip. Stop in the Visitor Center and ask to see their movie about this area and these ruins. During our January visit, the only trail open was the 1.3 mile (round trip) "Sandal Trail" to a cross-canyon overlook of the Betatakin ruins. There were three telescopes available to view the ruins. The mid-day harsh sunlight washed out the photographic details of the village so I'd suggest an early morning or late afternoon visit if you have that latitude. My 400mm lens was about right for close up details while a 24mm lens captured the panoramic view. PS: there are many informative/interesting markers along the trail which enhance the walk.

This park in 9 miles off Highway 160 but worth a visit. The scenery is quite interesting and the history around the Indian Cave dweleers who lived there around 1300 very interesting. It is a well presented park and an easy 1.3 KM round trip walk to the cliffs.

I am definitely not your most touchy-feely individual. For example, I felt closer to spiritual awakening drinking espresso at a coffee shop in Sadona, Arizona than while standing in its surrounding metaphysical high-energy vortex mountains. However, my Crown Chakra (spirituality ... I think) was definitely elevated at Navajo National Park. The view is breathtaking. The hike down to the ruins as well as the ruins themselves truly inspire a feeling of awe, reverence and humbleness. The campground is simple and clean. Moreover, the majority of campsites offer privacy. What compliments the serenity of the area is its friendly and well-informed staff. My wife and I truly enjoyed our tour guide Colby. He was knowledgeable about the ruins plus pleasant to be with for the three-hour journey. If you go, ask Colby about past visiting aliens.

We made the detour to Navajo National Monument on our drive from Monument Valley to Page. This turned out to be a hidden gem. Beautiful little Visitor Center, and we did the Sandal Trail -- a little over 1/2 mile to overlook of the Betatakin ruins. Trail was very lovely, with signs along the way to educate about the local plants and their traditional uses. We didn't do either of the other two trails, although if we had had more time, I'm sure they would've been equally lovely and interesting (although without the view of the ruins at the end).As we were leaving, a ranger mentioned their documentary film, which they'll run anytime someone wants to see it. Stayed for that, and really enjoyed it -- fascinating stuff about these ancient settlements. Had we been here during tourist season, I would've loved to do a ranger-led walk.

There are so many great things to see and do here allow at least 2-3 hours or more if possible. It is a scenic drive 9 mile drive with paved pulloffs to reach the Visitor Center for Navajo National Monument from Hwy 160. The VC has the usual exhibits, videos, etc, but in the back is a replica of a room cluster typical of a family dwelling in Betatakin. On the wall is a brochure with more info. You are allowed to go into the dwelling. Also in the VC are three films-25 min on the various cultures that have lived in the area, 20 min on Betatakin, and a short film on basket weaving.Outside are casts of three dinosaur footprints which are about 180 million years old, a forked stick hogan and a sweat house which was used instead of a bath when water was scarce.The 1.3 mile round trip Sandal Trail is completely paved and leads to a spectacular view of Betatakin dwellings. There is enough of a drop in elevation that someone in a wheelchair would need assistance. Most people could make the round trip in under an hour including time at the viewpoint.The 5 mile RT to Betatskin and the 17 mile Rt to Keet Seel are RANGER LED so call ahead for info and reservations.Next to the VC is the Navajo Art and Craft Store with authentic items. I found the prices reasonable and purchased a piece of silver jewelry.KEEP IN MIND: The monument observes Daylight Saving Time unlike the rest of Arizona so they are one hour ahead of the rest of the state during Daylight Saving time period. The elevation at the VC is 7300 feet. It can get very hot here so if you do hike, have proper footwear, a hat, sunscreen and most importantly WATER.I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did mine.

... and well worth making the diversion on the Page - Monument Valley road.The ruins can been seen easily from the trail, well-camouflaged only by their colour being the same as the massive rocks - but the whole area is just beautiful. Forget Sedona! This area is absolutely gorgeous - people & commercialism-free. There's a nice ranger station though, if you must buy a T shirt. And the rangers are knowledgeable & helpful. Bring quality binoculars so you can have a really good look at the amazing ancient structures.

I took a quick drive from Page, AZ to visit this site. It was after the season was over so very quiet and I only had time for the Sandal Trail which was only 1.3 miles round trip and self guided. I would have loved to take the Betatakin Trail but it was closed on that particular day....no guides available then...It is well worth the stop.

We finished our all day tour of Monument Valley and intended to drive to Flaggstaff to spend the night but instead went to Navajo Natl. Monument and are very happy we did. We stayed at the Sunset campground (free); it was a really nice location and there was only one other couple camping there so it was very quiet. The grounds were very nice and the restroom very clean. We took the walk down to the overlook to see the cliff dwellings and were amazed. As another reviewer said, the ruins were impressive. By the time we arrived, the visitor center was closed, but that's okay. Before driving on the road into the park we stopped at a little sparse convenient store and bought cup of noodles--there really wasn't much else in the way of food. This is definitely worth a stop.

Having been to most of the American Indian sites in the southwest We were surprised to see such well preserved cliff dwellings. An easy hike gets you to a wonderful overlook viewing the Betatakin ruins.We camped for a nite in the canyon view campground(no fee for camping), it was super peaceful and quiet. The whole park was extremely clean and free of trash.Already am looking forward to returning and spending several days to take some of the longer hikes and some of the guided ranger hikes.Bring whatever you need as the nearest groceries/supplies are about 10 miles away in Black Mesa.

We did not have time to visit Mesa Verde and found this little gem in our guidebook. We were happy to have made the small detour from the main road to Kayenta/Monument valley.Before you go to the viewpoints, ask the ranger to start the movie at the visitor's center. Not only do you get background of the people who built the village, you'll also be able to distinguish the different parts of the village better once you are at the viewpoint. To see the ruins from up close, you'll need to take a guided tour and you need a full day. We just saw the ruins from the viewpoint (and easy 15 min walk). You can see them quite well with the supplied binoculars at the viewpoint.Worth a visit!

We enjoyed the short walk down to the viewing point where you can see the ancient ruins built into the rocks. The valley is impressive and picturesque. There is a well stocked shop and vistor's centre. Well worth a visit.

We enjoyed visiting here very much. There is a hike involved that would not be good for the weak. It was all downhill getting there which was fine, but the ALL UPHILL getting back reminded us of our age. Take a bottle of water, binoculars if you have them and a camera, of course.